What to Expect
For people who have not experienced a holistic treatment, this is an outline of what to expect from your Practitioner and Treatment.
Qualities of an Ethical Practitioner
Firstly, it is important that you feel comfortable with your practitioner. Usually it is good to use someone who has been recommended to you. The Qualities you should look for are; honesty, privacy and confidentiality, reliability, integrity and trustworthiness, compassion, discernment and judgement.
Reference: SSNT Integrated Massage Certificate 2002
Informed Consent
It is equally important that a Practitioner obtains informed consent to work on you and this involves discussing with you:
· What are the goals and purpose of the session?
· What possible risks and benefits are involved?
· How much time and money the treatment will take.
Professional Conduct
A Practitioner should conduct themselves professionally, having certificates of qualification, code of ethics and insurance documents clearly displayed. They should also ensure a high standard of hygiene, material supplied and safety of equipment. For example, they should be using clean towels or sheets for each client.In addition, they should also tell you how your time would be used. It is normal practice for one hour treatments to include a massage for 50 minutes with the remainder of the time used for you to undress and redress and to discuss your Client History, sometimes more time will be allocated to this with each case being assessed individually.
Taking of Client History
In order for a Practitioner to assess your current situation it is usual for them to obtain sufficient client information. This covers any current problems, injury history, contraindications and relevant occupational demands. This may include a few range of movement assessments, that will also be checked at the end of the treatment to note improvements. It is from the information you have provided that a treatment plan will be formulated and discussed with you.
Sample:
Nicola's Case History Form
The Treatment
Not all treatments require that the client be undressed, for example, Reflexology or Reiki. However, when performing a Swedish or Therapeutic Massage it is necessary. Therefore, a Practitioner should respect your rights and dignity. This is done by using appropriate draping techniques, only uncovering the area that is to be worked on.
So, before getting on the treatment table you should know what areas of your body are going to be worked on, and know if oils are to be used.
The Practitioner will also ask you to advise them if you are experiencing any discomfort whilst they are working.
Post Treatment
At the end of your treatment you should be feeling very relaxed. The Practitioner will ask you how you are feeling and your thoughts about the treatment that you have received. They will discuss with you any after affects that may occur, for example; you may have a headache due to the release of toxins in the body. This is quite normal, as your system has been kick-started and can be relieved by drinking plenty of water to assist in the release of the toxins from the body.
If your treatment was to aid an injury, your Practitioner may provide you with some stretches to do at home or recommend that you be referred to another Practitioner if the injury is beyond their scope or field of experience.
Final Tips
· Do ask questions, don’t be shy - it is good to know what is going on.
· Do ask for extra blankets/towels if you get cold.
· Do say if you are experiencing discomfort or pain during the treatment.
· Do take along your favourite music, this is your time!
· Do relax and enjoy your treatment whichever one you choose.